@article{Adrover2019, abstract = {In this study, gellan gum (GG), a natural polysaccharide, was used to fabricate spherical porous beads suitable as sustained drug delivery systems for oral administration. GG was cross-linked with calcium ions to prepare polymeric beads. Rheological studies and preliminary experiments of beads preparation allowed to identify the GG and the CaCl2 concentrations suitable for obtaining stable and spherical particles. GG beads were formed, through ionotropic gelation technique, with and without the presence of the synthetic clay laponite. The resultant beads were analyzed for dimensions (before and after freeze-drying), morphological aspects and ability to swell in different media miming biological fluids, namely SGF (Simulated Gastric Fluid, HCl 0.1 M) and SIF (Simulated Intestinal Fluid, phosphate buffer, 0.044 M, pH 7.4). The swelling degree was lower in SGF than in SIF and further reduced in the presence of laponite. The GG and GG-layered silicate composite beads were loaded with two model drugs having different molecular weight, namely theophylline and cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) and subjected to in-vitro release studies in SGF and SIF. The presence of laponite in the bead formulation increased the drug entrapment efficiency and slowed-down the release kinetics of both drugs in the gastric environment. A moving-boundary swelling model with “diffuse” glassy-rubbery interface was proposed in order to describe the swelling behavior of porous freeze-dried beads. Consistently with the swelling model adopted, two moving-boundary drug release models were developed to interpret release data from highly porous beads of different drugs: Drug molecules, e.g., theophylline, that exhibit a typical Fickian behavior of release curves and drugs, such as vitamin B12, whose release curves are affected by the physical/chemical interaction of the drug with the polymer/clay complex. Theoretical results support the experimental observations, thus confirming that laponite may be an effective additive for fabricating sustained drug delivery systems.}, author = {Alessandra Adrover and Patrizia Paolicelli and Stefania Petralito and Laura Di Muzio and Jordan Trilli and Stefania Cesa and Ingunn Tho and Maria Antonietta Casadei}, doi = {10.3390/pharmaceutics11040187}, issn = {19994923}, issue = {4}, journal = {Pharmaceutics}, keywords = {Beads,Gastrointestinal drug release,Gellan gum,Ionotropic gelation,Laponite,Modeling study,Polymer/clay composite,Swelling}, month = {4}, publisher = {MDPI AG}, title = {Gellan gum/laponite beads for the modified release of drugs: Experimental and modeling study of gastrointestinal release}, volume = {11}, year = {2019} } @article{Darie-Ni2023, abstract = {The bioactivity of the versatile biodegradable biopolymer poly(lactic acid) (PLA) can be obtained by combining it with natural or synthetic compounds. This paper deals with the preparation of bioactive formulations involving the melt processing of PLA loaded with a medicinal plant (sage) and an edible oil (coconut oil), together with an organomodifed montmorillonite nanoclay, and an assessment of the resulting structural, surface, morphological, mechanical, and biological properties of the biocomposites. By modulating the components, the prepared biocomposites show flexibility, both antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, as well as a high degree of cytocompatibility, being capable to induce the cell adherence and proliferation on their surface. Overall, the obtained results suggest that the developed PLA-based biocomposites could potentially be used as bioactive materials in medical applications.}, author = {Raluca Nicoleta Darie-Niță and Anamaria Irimia and Florica Doroftei and Laura Mihaela Stefan and Andrzej Iwanczuk and Agnieszka Trusz}, doi = {10.3390/ijms24043646}, issn = {14220067}, issue = {4}, journal = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences}, keywords = {antimicrobial,antioxidant,coconut oil,cytocompatibility,nanoclay,poly(lactic acid),sage}, month = {2}, pmid = {36835080}, publisher = {MDPI}, title = {Bioactive and Physico-Chemical Assessment of Innovative Poly(lactic acid)-Based Biocomposites Containing Sage, Coconut Oil, and Modified Nanoclay}, volume = {24}, year = {2023} } @article{Song2022, abstract = {This study was conducted to develop a lipid/clay-based solid dispersion (LSD) formulation to enhance the dissolution and oral bioavailability of poorly soluble curcumin. Krill oil and aminoclay were used as a lipid and a stabilizer, respectively, and LSD formulations of curcumin were prepared by an antisolvent precipitation method combined with freeze-drying process. Based on the dissolution profiles, the optimal composition of LSD was determined at the weight ratio of curcumin: krill oil: aminoclay of 1:5:5 in the presence of 0.5% of D-α-tocopherol polyethylene glycol succinate. The structural and morphological characteristics of the LSD formulation were determined using X-ray powder diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy. Crystalline curcumin was changed to an amorphous form in the LSD formulation. At the pH of acidic to neutral, the LSD formulation showed almost complete drug dissolution (>90%) within 1 h, while pure curcumin exhibited minimal dissolution of less than 10%. Furthermore, the LSD formulation had significantly improved oral absorption of curcumin in rats, where Cmax and AUC of curcumin were 13- and 23-fold higher for the LSD formulation than for the pure drug. Taken together, these findings suggest that the krill oil-based solid dispersion formulation of curcumin effectively improves the dissolution and oral bioavailability of curcumin.}, author = {Jae Geun Song and Hye Mi Noh and Sang Hoon Lee and Hyo Kyung Han}, doi = {10.3390/pharmaceutics14112269}, issn = {19994923}, issue = {11}, journal = {Pharmaceutics}, keywords = {aminoclay,antisolvent precipitation,curcumin,krill oil,lipid-based formulation}, month = {11}, publisher = {MDPI}, title = {Lipid/Clay-Based Solid Dispersion Formulation for Improving the Oral Bioavailability of Curcumin}, volume = {14}, year = {2022} } @article{Lisevski2024, abstract = {The organic compound niacin or nicotinic acid, also known as vitamin B3 (VitB3), is essential for human nutrition and metabolic regulation. However, in high doses, it can provoke side effects, such as hyperglycemia, liver damage, and flushing. Development of a controlled release system that slowly releases VitB3 into the organism would avoid high dosing peaks, thus contributing to decrease the occurrence of side effects in nutritional supplementation. Here, we show that the slow and controlled release of VitB3 in an acid environment can be achieved via its intercalation in layered double hydroxides (LDHs). The synthesis of a ZnAl-VitB3 system is shown, in which VitB3 is intercalated in a ZnAl LDH. The presence of VitB3 in the ZnAl-VitB3 system was confirmed by elemental analysis, infrared (FTIR) and NMR spectroscopy, while successful intercalation in the LDHs was revealed by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD). In vitro release tests were carried out in a concentrated HCl solution of pH 1.5, a pH similar to the human stomach environment. The results showed a steady release of VitB3 from the LDH host, with 90% of the vitamin liberated in the first 60 min after the suspension of the LDH in the acidic solution.}, author = {Caroline Inês Lisevski and Alysson Ferreira Morais and Natasha Fioretto Aguero and Alexandre Candido Teixeira and Francisco Wanderson Moreira Ribeiro and Thiago Carita Correra and Ivan Guide Nunes da Silva and Danilo Mustafa}, doi = {10.1021/acsomega.4c03934}, issn = {24701343}, journal = {ACS Omega}, publisher = {American Chemical Society}, title = {Vitamin B3 Intercalated in Layered Double Hydroxides: A Drug Delivery System for Metabolic Regulation}, year = {2024} } @article{Guagliano2023, abstract = {The controlled supply of bioactive molecules is a subject of debate in animal nutrition. The release of bioactive molecules in the target organ, in this case the intestine, results in improved feed, as well as having a lower environmental impact. However, the degradation of bioactive molecules’ in transit in the gastrointestinal passage is still an unresolved issue. This paper discusses the feasibility of a simple and cost-effective procedure to bypass the degradation problem. A solid/liquid adsorption procedure was applied, and the operating parameters (pH, reaction time, and LY initial concentration) were studied. Lysozyme is used in this work as a representative bioactive molecule, while Adsorbo®, a commercial mixture of clay minerals and zeolites which meets current feed regulations, is used as the carrier. A maximum LY loading of 32 mgLY/gAD (LY(32)-AD) was obtained, with fixing pH in the range 7.5–8, initial LY content at 37.5 mgLY/gAD, and reaction time at 30 min. A full characterisation of the hybrid organoclay highlighted that LY molecules were homogeneously spread on the carrier’s surface, where the LY–carrier interaction was mainly due to charge interaction. Preliminary release tests performed on the LY(32)-AD synthesised sample showed a higher releasing capacity, raising the pH from 3 to 7. In addition, a preliminary Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assay showed an antioxidant capacity for the LY of 1.47 ± 0.18 µmol TroloxEq/g with an inhibition percentage of 33.20 ± 3.94%.}, author = {Marianna Guagliano and Cinzia Cristiani and Matteo Dell’Anno and Giovanni Dotelli and Elisabetta Finocchio and Maria Lacalamita and Ernesto Mesto and Serena Reggi and Luciana Rossi and Emanuela Schingaro}, doi = {10.3390/nano13222965}, issn = {20794991}, issue = {22}, journal = {Nanomaterials}, keywords = {FT-IR spectroscopy,clay-based materials,feed application,lysozyme–carrier interactions mechanism,precision nutrition,target delivery,target release}, month = {11}, publisher = {Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)}, title = {A Commercial Clay-Based Material as a Carrier for Targeted Lysozyme Delivery in Animal Feed}, volume = {13}, year = {2023} } @article{Candela2021, abstract = {The blackberry’s color is composed mainly of natural dyes called anthocyanins. Their color is red-purple, and they can be used as a natural colorant. Anthocyanins are flavonoids, which are products of plants, and their colors range from orange and red to various shades of blue, purple and green, according to pH. In this study, the chemical composition of an extract obtained from blackberries was defined by LC-ESI/LTQOrbitrap/MS in positive and negative ionization mode. Furthermore, we investigated the adsorption process of blackberry extract using several inorganic fillers, such as metakaolin, silica, Lipari pumice, white pozzolan and alumina. The pigments exhibit different colors as a function of their interactions with the fillers. The analysis of the absorption data allowed the estimation of the maximum adsorbing capacity of each individual filler tested. Through thermogravimetric measurements (TGA), the thermal stability and the real adsorption of the organic extract were determined.}, author = {Rossella G. Candela and Giuseppe Lazzara and Sonia Piacente and Maurizio Bruno and Giuseppe Cavallaro and Natale Badalamenti}, doi = {10.3390/molecules26206278}, issn = {14203049}, issue = {20}, journal = {Molecules}, keywords = {Anthocyanin,Blackberries,Colorimetric analysis,LC-ESI/LTQOrbitrap/MS,Pigments,Rubus ulmifolius,Thermogravimetry}, month = {10}, pmid = {34684859}, publisher = {MDPI}, title = {Conversion of organic dyes into pigments: Extraction of flavonoids from blackberries (Rubus ulmifolius) and stabilization}, volume = {26}, year = {2021} } @article{RamazaniAfarani2018, abstract = {In this study nanolayers of montmorillonite (MMT) were modified in order to develop a pH-responsive nanocarrier for delivery of vitamin B12. The vitamin B12 was adsorbed on the MMT nanolayers via cationic bridge mechanism by electrostatic attraction force. A facile treatment of MMT nanolayers was done by increasing the cation or anion concentration of the external surface of nanolayers. In all modified samples the interlayer spaces were filled with a cation (Na+). Such treatment mostly affected the place of adsorption of vitamin B12 which the MMT sample with the external surface of nanolayers enriched with anion (Cl−) tent to adsorb vitamin in the interlayer spaces due to the existence of cations just in the interlayer spaces. However, when the surfaces of nanolayers were enriched with the cation (Na+) vitamin B12 just adsorbed on the external surface of the nanolayers and almost no adsorption in the interlayer spaces was detected. The in vitro release results showed that almost no vitamin B12 was released from modified MMT nanolayers at low pH however by increasing the pH, vitamin started to release with steady kinetics. This could be due to the highly controlled mechanism of adsorption of the vitamin on the nanolayers (cation bridge) which was just desorbed when the highly acidic (highly saturated medium with H+) change to neutral condition (with increasing the possibility of exchangeable anions with the vitamin complex). In addition, the modification of MMT nanolayers affected the amount of vitamin released which when vitamin was intercalated in the interlayer space the release of vitamin became more difficult. The results showed that the modified MMT nanolayers preserved vitamin from the harsh condition of gastric before being released, making it a promising nanocarrier for drug delivery applications.}, author = {Zahra Ramazani Afarani and Mehdi Nasiri Sarvi and Mozhgan Akbari Alavijeh}, doi = {10.1016/j.jtice.2018.01.002}, issn = {18761070}, journal = {Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers}, keywords = {Food supplement delivery,Montmorillonite,Vitamin B12,pH-responsive}, month = {3}, pages = {19-27}, publisher = {Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers}, title = {Modification of montmorillonite nanolayers as a pH-responsive carrier of biomolecules: Delivery of vitamin B12}, volume = {84}, year = {2018} } @article{Das2018, abstract = {In the present study, the adsorption and desorption behaviors of anthocyanin in the aqueous solution of purple rice bran were investigated using amberlite XAD2, XAD4, XAD7, activated charcoal, and bentonite as adsorbents. The diffusion mechanisms of anthocyanin on adsorbents were also investigated. Amberlite XAD7 showed higher adsorption/desorption capacities and recovery of anthocyanin from purple rice bran extract over other adsorbents. The recovery of anthocyanin from XAD7 was 41.49% while adsorption and desorption capacities were 1.87 and 1.79 mg/g, respectively. The adsorption behavior of anthocyanin indicated that the process was better explained by pseudo-first-order kinetics than pseudo-second-order kinetics model. Adsorption isotherm behavior of anthocyanin on adsorbents was found to be homogeneous and more suitable for Langmuir (two parameters) and Redlich–Peterson (three parameters) isotherm models. The adsorption mechanisms of adsorbents were well explained by intra-particle diffusion model and indicated that XAD7 has the higher diffusion rate than the other adsorbents. In addition to that, the phytochemical profiling of the separated and concentrated bran extract was investigated using HPLC in terms of anthocyanins, cyanidin-3-glucoside, peonidin-3-d-glucoside, and phenolic acid content. Practical applications: The present study shows the adsorption/desorption behavior and mechanism of anthocyanin from purple rice bran extract on the various adsorbents. The study also shows the diffusion mechanisms of anthocyanin on various adsorbents. From the application point of view, this work could be facilitated the industrial production of anthocyanin from purple rice bran as a natural food colorant using adsorption process. Moreover, the study is helpful in understanding the adsorption of anthocyanin as well as designing the adsorption systems.}, author = {Amit Baran Das and V. V. Goud and Chandan Das}, doi = {10.1111/jfpe.12834}, issn = {17454530}, issue = {6}, journal = {Journal of Food Process Engineering}, month = {10}, publisher = {Blackwell Publishing Inc.}, title = {Adsorption/desorption, diffusion, and thermodynamic properties of anthocyanin from purple rice bran extract on various adsorbents}, volume = {41}, year = {2018} } @article{Todan2025, abstract = {Quercetin, a naturally occurring flavonoid, is of interest both as a dye as well as a biologically active molecule. The fluorescence properties of quercetin can be used to study interactions with specific targets under certain environmental conditions, as these interactions lead to changes in quercetin’s chemical structure. The present study proposes a new approach for detecting biogenic amines—an indicator of food spoilage—and extending food shelf-life by preparing composites based on quercetin and anionic layered minerals, both in their native form and modified with surfactants. The structural and spectroscopic characteristics of the quercetin-matrix system were analysed by X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, UV–visible spectroscopy, and fluorescence experiments. Additionally, the antimicrobial activity of the obtained powders was evaluated. The powders were exposed to pyridine and ammonia as reference amines, and their fluorescence response was measured. Interactions between quercetin and the carrier-surfactant system were evidenced which promoted the fluorescence of the composites in the presence of amines compared to quercetin alone. Furthermore, the quercetin-layered minerals-surfactant system shows potential as an effective indicator for volatile amines. Notably, the system without surfactant exhibits antimicrobial activity, demonstrating its ability to preserve food quality.}, author = {Ligia Todan and Mariana Voicescu and Daniela C. Culita and Irina Atkinson and Elena M. Soare and Iuliana Raut and Mariana Constantin}, doi = {10.1007/s11696-025-04251-w}, issn = {13369075}, journal = {Chemical Papers}, keywords = {Antimicrobial activity,Biogenic amines,Fluorescence,Layered double hydroxides,Quercetin}, publisher = {Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH}, title = {Natural pigments in anionic layered clays as fluorescent indicators for volatile amines with antimicrobial properties}, year = {2025} } @article{Li2013, abstract = {The aim of this study was to develop poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide)/ montmorillonite (PLGA/MMT) nanoparticles formulations for improved oral delivery of exemestane. Exemestane-loaded PLGA nanoparticles and PLGA/MMT nanoparticles were prepared by a modified solvent extraction/evaporation technology with vitamin E succinated polyethylene glycol 1000 (TPGS) as emulsifier. The content of MMT was estimated by thermal gravimetric analysis. The drug encapsulation efficiency and in vitro drug release kinetics were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. The size, size distribution, surface charge and morphology of the exemestane-loaded nanoparticles were characterized using a Zetasizer Nano ZS and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The physical status of exemestane in the nanoparticles was characterized by differential scanning calorimetry. In vitro cellular uptake of coumarin-6-loaded nanoparticles was investigated by confocal laser scanning microscope, demonstrating that the fluorescence nanoparticles were internalized by Caco-2 cells (as an in vitro gastrointestinal model). The results of in vitro cytotoxicity experiment on MCF-7 cells (as a model of breast cancer cells) showed the exemestane-loaded nanoparticles resulted in lower cell viability versus the pure exemestane solution. The cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cells for exemestane-loaded nanoparticles and pure exemestane solution was dependent on the drug concentration and incubation time. In conclusion, this study indicates the capability of PLGA nanoparticles and PLGA/MMT nanoparticles in enhancing the oral delivery of exemestane. © 2013 Informa UK Ltd All rights reserved: reproduction in whole or part not permitted.}, author = {Zhen Li and Kexin Liu and Pengyuan Sun and Lin Mei and Tangna Hao and Yan Tian and Zeyao Tang and Lei Li and Dawei Chen}, doi = {10.3109/02652048.2012.746749}, issn = {02652048}, issue = {5}, journal = {Journal of Microencapsulation}, keywords = {Biodegradable polymers,Cancer nanotechnology,Cell uptake,Controlled release,Cytotoxicity,Exemestane,Montmorillonite}, pages = {432-440}, pmid = {23517067}, title = {Poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide)/montmorillonite nanoparticles for improved oral delivery of exemestane}, volume = {30}, year = {2013} } @article{Hamed2022, abstract = {Omega-3 fatty acids can be widely considered as potential therapeutic agents due to their antioxidant, nutritional, and health aspects. They have unsaturated nature which leads to susceptibility to oxidation conditions. Therefore, to get the maximum health benefit and to minimize or prevent the process of oxidation, omega-3 rich oils must be protected against atmospheric oxygen. To achieve this objective, two strategies were usually carried out: First addition of an antioxidant to the oils, and second, the encapsulation process. Here we review omega-3 fatty acids chemistry, natural sources, health benefits, and antimicrobial activity. This review highlights obstacles to incorporating omega-3 fatty acids in foods, particularly concerning oxidation. The importance of incorporating natural polyphenols especially curcumin as well as using different wall materials (sodium alginate, chitosan, and natural clays) in microencapsulating fish and flaxseed oils were also discussed. Different techniques of encapsulation were highlighted as well.}, author = {Said F. Hamed and Ayat F. Hashim and Hoda Abdel Hay and Kamel A. Abd-Elsalam and Ibrahim M. El-Sherbiny}, doi = {10.21608/EJCHEM.2021.101420.4749}, issn = {23570245}, issue = {2}, journal = {Egyptian Journal of Chemistry}, keywords = {Clay,Fish oil,Flaxseed oil,Health benefits,Microencapsulation}, month = {2}, pages = {623-638}, publisher = {NIDOC (Nat.Inform.Document.Centre)}, title = {Microencapsulation of Omega-3 Rich Flaxseed and Fish Oils}, volume = {65}, year = {2022} } @article{Abedini2023, abstract = {Biogenic amines (BAs) are compounds that are produced in foods containing proteins and amino acids by microorganisms. This means that foods that are high in protein, such as meat, seafood, and dairy products, are more likely to have higher content of BAs. One of the important challenges is the lack of comprehensive information on the effect of additives on foods. Food additives have a high impact on the quality and safety of food products. Applications of food additives include improving color, texture, smell, appearance, and nutritional properties. One of the most important applications is the use of food additives as antimicrobials. This group of additives reduces the adverse effect of microorganisms on food, such as the production of BAs. This systematic review provides a comprehensive overview of the impact of artificial and natural additives on BAs formation in five food groups (meat, fish, wine, dairy, and plant-based foods). Also, the methods of forming BAs, measurement methods, the effect of BAs on health, the effect on food quality, and the mechanism of the effects of additives on the formation of BAs have been discussed. The results showed that food additives may increase, decrease, or have little effect on BA production in foods depending on the nature of the additive and the food matrix. Typically, the additives were introduced into the foods by simple mixing, encapsulation, or coating. Glucose, sucrose, sorbitol, diammonium phosphate, some yeasts, and some probiotics were reported to increase the production of BAs. The natural additives with the ability to reduce BAs include essential oils (e.g., cinnamon, clove, green tea, grape seed, ginger, onion, garlic, rosemary, lemon, cumin, and oregano), polyphenols (e.g., tocopherol, gallic acid, caffeic acid, catechin, and nicotinic acid), some yeasts, some culture starters, some enzymes, some salts, and nisin. The synthetic additives with this ability included sodium nitrite, sodium nitrate, sodium metabisulfite, sulfur dioxide, and bentonite. Many food additives were reported to have little or no effect on BA production, including poppy oil, bay leaf, certain types of green tea, lysozyme, tannin, chitosan, and organic and inorganic nitrogen.}, author = {Amirhossein Abedini and Parisa Sadighara and Mahmood Alizadeh Sani and David Julian McClements}, doi = {10.1016/j.fbio.2023.103295}, issn = {22124306}, journal = {Food Bioscience}, keywords = {Biogenic amines,Food products,Food safety,Natural additives,Synthetic additives}, month = {12}, publisher = {Elsevier Ltd}, title = {The impact of synthetic and natural additives on biogenic amine production in food products}, volume = {56}, year = {2023} } @article{Kaygusuz2015, abstract = {This work describes the in vitro release of a small drug, riboflavin, from novel calcium and barium crosslinked alginate-montmorillonite composite beads via oral route. Effect of crosslinking cation, concentration of montmorillonite and media on encapsulation efficiencies, and release profiles of riboflavin were studied. Beads were characterized using gravimetric swelling ability study, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Results indicate that addition of montmorillonite increases the encapsulation efficiencies and slows down the release rates significantly.}, author = {Hakan Kaygusuz and Mutlu Uysal and Veselina Adimcilar and F. Bedia Erim}, doi = {10.1177/0883911514557014}, issn = {15308030}, issue = {1}, journal = {Journal of Bioactive and Compatible Polymers}, keywords = {Riboflavin,alginate,biopolymer,montmorillonite,release}, month = {1}, pages = {48-56}, publisher = {SAGE Publications Ltd}, title = {Natural alginate biopolymer montmorillonite clay composites for vitamin B2 delivery}, volume = {30}, year = {2015} } @article{Muscolo2022, abstract = {Organic and industrial wastes represent a great opportunity to produce organic-mineral fertilizers for land restoration and crop quality improvement. The principal interest of this work was to use sulphur recovered from the residues of hydrocarbon refining processes, and orange wastes from food industry processing stabilized with bentonite (SBO) to cultivate lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), one of the most produced green leafy vegetable worldwide. The aim of the present study was to cultivate lettuce in open field, in two different soils, using the mineral-organic fertilizer (SBO) at different concentrations, in comparison to chemical fertilizer (NPK), horse manure (HM) and to a control (unfertilized soil). The impact of the new fertilizer on lettuce growth and quality (nutrients and antioxidants) was investigated. Results evidenced that sulphur-based-fertilizer increased mainly the quality rather than the growth of lettuce independently from the soil characteristics. The fertilization with SBO increased the amount of potassium and sulphate in lettuce grown in both soils in respect to fertilizer concentration. In both locations, a stimulatory effect of SBO fertilizer, more on secondary metabolites than primary metabolites, in particular flavonoids, phenols, vitamins C and E, was observed. The antioxidant activities expressed as DPPH and TAC, also increased in lettuce grown with SBO at all concentrations compared to CTR and the other treatments, the increase was dependant on the SBO concentration. In short, lettuce was found enriched of anti-inflammatory compounds and vitamins when cultivated with SBO. The highest antioxidant activities, in SBO grown lettuce, were correlated to the high amount of phenols for DPPH, and flavonoids, vitamin C and E for TAC. These results can be useful for both nutraceutical and agronomic purposes.}, author = {A. Muscolo and F. Marra and F. Canino and A. Maffia and C. Mallamaci and Mt Russo}, doi = {10.1016/j.scienta.2022.111421}, issn = {03044238}, journal = {Scientia Horticulturae}, keywords = {Bioactive compounds,Chlorophylls,Crop yield,Flavonoids,Phenols,Vitamins}, month = {11}, publisher = {Elsevier B.V.}, title = {Growth, nutritional quality and antioxidant capacity of lettuce grown on two different soils with sulphur-based fertilizer, organic and chemical fertilizers}, volume = {305}, year = {2022} } @article{Lee2019, abstract = {This research aimed to develop a pH-responsive organic-inorganic hybrid nanocomposite as an effective oral delivery system for protein drugs. Three different nanocomposites were prepared by using bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a model protein. A nanocomplex of BSA with 3-aminopropyl functionalized magnesium phyllosilicate (AC-BSA) was obtained via the spontaneous co-assembly and then sequentially coated with glycol-chitosan (GAC-BSA) and the pH sensitive polymer, Eudragit®L100–55 (EGAC-BSA). These organic-inorganic hybrid nanocomposites exhibited high entrapment efficiency (86–99%) and their structural characteristics were confirmed by using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and circular dichroism analysis, indicating that the secondary structure of BSA was well retained in the nanocomposites. At pH 1.2, AC-BSA achieved rapid drug release of about 80% within 2 h, while GAC-BSA and EGAC-BSA exhibited slow drug release of 30% and 15%, respectively, indicating that the surface-coated nanocomposites were more stable in the gastric condition. Furthermore, the conformational stability of BSA entrapped in EGAC-BSA was well retained in the presence of proteolytic enzymes, suggesting that EGAC-BSA should be effective in protecting the protein against gastrointestinal harsh environment. Compared to free BSA, all of tested nanocomposites demonstrated 2.1–3.8-fold higher cellular uptake in Caco-2 cells. Furthermore, energy-dependent endocytosis and paracellular pathway contributed to the cellular transport of nanoparticles. After oral administration in rats, EGAC-BSA significantly enhanced the intestinal permeation of BSA compared to free BSA. In conclusion, EGAC-BSA appears to be promising as an effective oral delivery system for proteins with enhanced intestinal absorption.}, author = {Sang Hoon Lee and Jae Geun Song and Hyo Kyung Han}, doi = {10.1016/j.jconrel.2019.08.036}, issn = {18734995}, journal = {Journal of Controlled Release}, keywords = {Absorption,Aminoclay,Nano-carrier,Oral delivery,Protein drug}, month = {10}, pages = {74-84}, pmid = {31487499}, publisher = {Elsevier B.V.}, title = {Development of pH-responsive organic-inorganic hybrid nanocomposites as an effective oral delivery system of protein drugs}, volume = {311-312}, year = {2019} } @article{Konya2025, abstract = {The synchronized operation of antioxidants and enzymes is necessary for the proper functioning of living organisms and various industrial processes. The drawback that these biomolecules are susceptible to several environmental factors can be overcome by their immobilization on appropriate host materials. Here, molecular antioxidant tannic acid (TA) and papain enzyme (PPN) were co-immobilized on layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanoparticles to enhance their stability and facilitate their combined function. In the sequential adsorption method governed by electrostatic interactions, TA was first adsorbed on oppositely charged LDH (LDH/TA) and then, PPN was immobilized on the surface of the nanoparticles (LDH/TA/PPN). The optimal TA and PPN doses were determined by systematic size and charge measurements of the particles in dispersions to obtain stable colloids in each preparation step. The co-immobilization of the biomolecules was confirmed by spectroscopy methods. The resulting LDH/TA/PPN nanocomposite exhibited remarkable antioxidant and protease activities. The dual biological function together with the considerable colloidal stability make the LDH/TA/PPN material a promising candidate in various processes in academia and more applied disciplines, where simultaneous antioxidant and proteolytic functions are desired.}, author = {Zsuzsanna D. Konya and Adel Szerlauth and Istvan Szilagyi}, doi = {10.1002/chem.202500846}, issn = {15213765}, issue = {31}, journal = {Chemistry - A European Journal}, keywords = {antioxidants,co-immobilization,papain,protease,tannic acid}, month = {6}, pmid = {40260664}, publisher = {John Wiley and Sons Inc}, title = {Bionanocomposite of Dual Antioxidant and Protease Function by Co-Immobilization of Tannic Acid and Papain on Anionic Clays}, volume = {31}, year = {2025} } @article{Lee2020, abstract = {This study aimed to develop a ternary nanocomposite system of organoclay, glycol-chitosan, and Eudragit®S100 as an effective colon targeted drug delivery carrier to enhance the oral absorption of insulin. A nanocomplex of insulin and aminoclay was prepared via spontaneous co-assembly, which was then coated with glycol-chitosan and Eudragit S®100 (EGAC-Ins). The double coated nanocomplex, EGAC-Ins demonstrated a high entrapment efficiency of greater than 90% and a pH-dependent drug release. The conformational stability of insulin entrapped in EGAC-Ins was effectively maintained in the presence of proteolytic enzymes. When compared to a free insulin solution, EGAC-Ins enhanced drug permeability by approximately sevenfold in Caco-2 cells and enhanced colonic drug absorption in rats. Accordingly, oral EGAC-Ins significantly reduced blood glucose levels in diabetic rats while the hypoglycemic effect of an oral insulin solution was negligible. In conclusion, EGAC-Ins should be a promising colonic delivery system for improving the oral absorption of insulin.}, author = {Sang Hoon Lee and Seung Yun Back and Jae Geun Song and Hyo Kyung Han}, doi = {10.1186/s12951-020-00662-x}, issn = {14773155}, issue = {1}, journal = {Journal of Nanobiotechnology}, keywords = {Aminoclay,Colon targeting,Insulin,Nano-carrier,Oral delivery system}, month = {7}, pmid = {32711522}, publisher = {BioMed Central}, title = {Enhanced oral delivery of insulin via the colon-targeted nanocomposite system of organoclay/glycol chitosan/Eudragit®S100}, volume = {18}, year = {2020} } @article{Taweechaipaisankul2025, abstract = {The porcine placenta is a source of various advantageous bioactive molecules, however, the unsatisfactory appearance, together with its unsavory taste and odor, is still limiting its use as an ingredient in food products. Microencapsulation represents a promising technique to increase the use of valuable biowaste, as well as to promote its bioavailability and stability. Here, alginate microbeads containing porcine placenta extracts (pPEs) were developed by the ionotropic gelation method under various conditions, and many of their properties were tested. We found that placenta tissues prepared by freeze-drying could provide a great yield of protein derivatives and possessed 50.37 % anti-oxidative activity. Formulation 2 (F2) of alginate microbeads (80 % solution containing 2 % sodium alginate with 1 % bentonite, 20 % pPE formed in 0.5 % chitosan added into 1 % CaCl2 solution) was chosen as the optimal encapsulated condition of pPEs. Generally, the F2 microbeads contained 57.5 µg/mL of pPE with 99.72 % entrapment efficiency. The average size measured by Mastersizer was 14.65 ± 0.08 µm. The release of pPEs under simulated gastrointestinal tract conditions at pH 2.0–6.8 was delayed at 2 h (38.7 %) compared with free pPE. The F2 microbeads showed positive biological effects of anti-oxidation. Moreover, the anti-inflammation effect was monitored via the reduction in the levels of cytokines, including IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α. The F2 microbeads maintained their protein quantities for >120 days at 25 °C. Taken together, microbead fabrication, especially F2, is the optimal formula for pPEs, showing the potential to be applied as a prospective carrier of pPEs for oral administration.}, author = {Anukul Taweechaipaisankul and Nutthanit Thumrongsiri and Walailuk Chonniyom and Paweena Dana and Prattana Tanyapanyachon and Monthira Rattanatayarom and Wannapa Chinchoosak and Nattika Saengkrit}, doi = {10.1016/j.fhfh.2024.100194}, issn = {26670259}, journal = {Food Hydrocolloids for Health}, keywords = {Alginate microbeads,Enteric controlled release,Ionotropic gelation,Microencapsulation,Porcine placenta extracts}, month = {6}, publisher = {Elsevier B.V.}, title = {Alginate-based encapsulation of porcine placenta extract: Preparation, enteric sustained release, biological activities, and stability}, volume = {7}, year = {2025} } @article{Ghavami2024, abstract = {Aluminosilicate materials can be used as efficient and protective carriers for organic substances such as natural pigments. Here, as a means to increase stability against thermal and acid degradation, anthocyanins extracted from black carrots are loaded on halloysite nanotubes (HNTs). The hybrid pigments were prepared via two separate methods, under vacuum and by blending. The obtained hybrid pigments were characterized by TGA analysis, XRD, FTIR and SEM. The introduction of HNTs has been shown to increase the thermal stability relative to pure anthocyanins. However, acid- and UV-stability assessed by measuring colour parameters and total colour difference (ΔE) at pH < 2 was only enhanced in samples synthesized under vacuum conditions. Synthesis via vacuum also resulted in higher loading (7 % vs. 3.41 %). This may be due to the fact that mechanical forces imparted during grinding may have altered the HNT surface available for loading. Considering the biological activity of anthocyanins, in-vitro release from the HNTs was also studied and the best model was chosen based on R2 values. Release behavior in vacuum and blending samples were best fitted to the Korsmeyer-Peppas and Higuchi models respectively.}, author = {Amirreza Ghavami and Bita Zamiri and Alireza Mohebali}, doi = {10.1016/j.dyepig.2024.112356}, issn = {18733743}, journal = {Dyes and Pigments}, keywords = {Anthocyanins,Halloysite nanotubes,Hybrid pigments,Thermal stability}, month = {12}, publisher = {Elsevier Ltd}, title = {Anthocyanin/halloysite hybrid pigments with enhanced thermal and acid stability}, volume = {231}, year = {2024} } @article{Blagojevi2022, abstract = {Halloysite, as an inorganic nanoclay material, maltodextrin, as a carbohydrate polymer, and the composite made of them were tested as encapsulating agents for blackthorn (Prunus spinosa L.) extract rich in phenolic acids and anthocyanins. For the halloysite nanotubes loading cyclic vacuum technique was applied, and maltodextrin encapsulates were prepared by freeze-drying process. Thermogravimetric analysis confirmed that blackthorn extract was encapsulated with halloysite, maltodextrin, and maltodextrin-halloysite composite. The cytotoxic effect of the encapsulates was tested in tumor (MCF7 and HT-29) and non-tumor (MRC-5) cells. The release of four major phenolic compounds: 3-O-caffeoylquinic acid (neochlorogenic acid) and, cyanidin 3-O-glucoside, cyanidin 3-O-rutinoside, and peonidin 3-O-rutinoside was tested. Addition of extract and encapsulates in yoghurt prolonged the release of blackthorn bioactives. These results indicate that blackthorn extract and its halloysite and maltodextrin encapsulates have potential in the production of functional foods, food supplements, and pharmaceuticals.}, author = {Bojana Blagojević and Dragana Četojević-Simin and Simonida Djurić and Giuseppe Lazzara and Stefana Milioto and Dejan Agić and Bogdan Stefan Vasile and Boris M. Popović}, doi = {10.1016/j.clay.2022.106489}, issn = {01691317}, journal = {Applied Clay Science}, keywords = {Blackthorn,Cytotoxicity,Encapsulation,Halloysite nanotubes,Maltodextrin,Polyphenols}, month = {6}, publisher = {Elsevier Ltd}, title = {Anthocyanins and phenolic acids from Prunus spinosa L. encapsulation in halloysite and maltodextrin based carriers}, volume = {222}, year = {2022} } @article{Qu2021, abstract = {In this study, novel self-assembled protein-clay nanocomposites were developed for curcumin delivery. Experimentally, curcumin was dissolved and deprotonated in sodium caseinate-laponite® (NaCas-LAP) dispersion at pH 12.0 for 30 min followed by neutralization to pH = 7. Due to the pH-mediated dissociation and re-association process, curcumin was successfully encapsulated into NaCas-LAP nanocomposites. The colloidal properties and encapsulation capabilities of NaCas-LAP nanocomposites were investigated, including particle size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, release profile in simulated gastrointestinal tract, as well as nanoscale morphology. The results indicated that upon neutralization, NaCas-LAP nanocomposites were re-associated into smaller particles due to strong hydrophobic interactions among NaCas, LAP and curcumin. Specifically, 0.10% curcumin loaded nanocomposites prepared with 2% NaCas and 0.5% LAP showed improved encapsulation performance (73.4%) with smaller particle size (100 nm). The as-prepared protein-clay nanocomposites hold promising potential to deliver lipophilic bioactive compounds, such as curcumin.}, author = {Bai Qu and Jingyi Xue and Yangchao Luo}, doi = {10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.130338}, issn = {18737072}, journal = {Food Chemistry}, keywords = {Alkaline dissociation,Antioxidant activity,Curcumin,Laponite®,Nanocomposites,Sodium caseinate}, month = {11}, pmid = {34161872}, publisher = {Elsevier Ltd}, title = {Self-assembled caseinate-laponite® nanocomposites for curcumin delivery}, volume = {363}, year = {2021} } @misc{Choi2016, abstract = {An attempt is made to describe an emerging convergence science: nanomedicine. In particular, inorganic compounds such as anionic clays, layered double hydroxides (LDHs), at nanoscale, are underlined, with regard to how they could interact with bioactive and/or drug molecules to form novel intercalative hybrid drug systems with biocompatibility, imaging and targeting functions eventually for gene and/or drug delivery. In this regard, LDHs are focused as an important inorganic biomaterial for drug and gene delivery carriers with very high additive value in the near future, especially in biomedical industries including pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical, and nutraceutical ones, compared to any other industrial applications. In this review, the drug delivery systems based on clay nanoparticles are described in terms of nanotoxicity, intercellular uptake mechanism, and intracellular trafficking pathways in vitro, and finally passive and active targeting functions in vivo. In addition, several studies highlighting recent advances in chemotherapy and gene therapy with nano LDHs are also discussed, from the viewpoint of state-of-the-art convergence technology based on nanomedicine.}, author = {Goeun Choi and Huiyan Piao and Myung Hun Kim and Jin Ho Choy}, doi = {10.1021/acs.iecr.6b02971}, issn = {15205045}, issue = {43}, journal = {Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research}, month = {11}, pages = {11211-11224}, publisher = {American Chemical Society}, title = {Enabling Nanohybrid Drug Discovery through the Soft Chemistry Telescope}, volume = {55}, year = {2016} } @article{Ibarguren2014, abstract = {The aim of the present work was to develop food-grade materials capable of releasing antimicrobial agents. Montmorillonite (Mt), a raw, abundant inexpensive clay mineral approved as a food additive, was used as support material. The immobilized antimicrobial agent was pure nisin (Danisco, UK). A series of antibacterial compounds were prepared, and the antimicrobial activity of the resultant montmorillonite-nisin (MtNis) immobilized systems was determined against Enterococcus faecium C1. The characterization of the antimicrobial powders showed evidences of nisin adsorption on by means of a "frustrated intercalation" model with a nisin loading (NL) saturation value close to 0.24. CEC (cation exchange capacity) of Mt. The antibacterial powders with NL above this value completely inhibited E. faecium C1 during 24. h of contact. These results are encouraging for the development of nisin-based bioprotectors immobilized on raw Mt. © 2014 Elsevier B.V.}, author = {Carolina Ibarguren and Pablo M. Naranjo and Christian Stötzel and M. Carina Audisio and Edgardo L. Sham and E. Mónica Farfán Torres and Frank A. Müller}, doi = {10.1016/j.clay.2013.12.031}, issn = {01691317}, journal = {Applied Clay Science}, keywords = {Food biopreservative,Montmorillonite,Nisin,Peptide/support interaction}, month = {3}, pages = {88-95}, title = {Adsorption of nisin on raw montmorillonite}, volume = {90}, year = {2014} } @article{Baek2012, abstract = {A most powerful antioxidant, glutathione (GSH), plays an important role in detoxification, immune response, and protection against reactive oxygen species. However, orally ingested GSH can be easily degradable to free amino acids by chemical and enzymatic hydrolysis, resulting in low bioavailability. The aim of this study was, therefore, to enhance GSH bioavailability by developing GSH-montmorillonite (MMT) hybrid system. It was also coated with polyvinylacetal diethylaminoacetate (AEA) for better stability. Both GSH-MMT and AEA-GSH-MMT hybrids were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier transformed infrared (FT-IR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), indicating that GSH was successfully intercalated into the interlayer spaces of MMT. In vivo antioxidant activity assay revealed that AEA-GSH-MMT hybrid significantly increased antioxidant activity in the plasma after oral administration in mice. Pharmacokinetic study also indicated that AEA-GSH-MMT hybrid considerably increased the plasma concentration of GSH at 1 h post-oral administration. Moreover, both the hybrid systems remarkably enhanced GSH delivery to the main target tissue, liver. All the results suggest that GSH-MMT hybrid systems have great potential to enhance bioavailability of oral GSH, providing new insight into their pharmaceutical application. © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.}, author = {Miri Baek and Jin Ho Choy and Soo Jin Choi}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijpharm.2012.01.015}, issn = {03785173}, issue = {1-2}, journal = {International Journal of Pharmaceutics}, keywords = {Antioxidant activity,Glutathione,Montmorillonite,Pharmacokinetics,Tissue distribution}, month = {4}, pages = {29-34}, pmid = {22266539}, title = {Montmorillonite intercalated with glutathione for antioxidant delivery: Synthesis, characterization, and bioavailability evaluation}, volume = {425}, year = {2012} } @article{Ibarguren2017, abstract = {The adsorption of a commercial form of nisin, Nisaplin® (Npl) (Danisco), on montmorillonite (Mt), a natural inexpensive clay mineral accepted as food additive, was assayed. The intention was to develop food grade materials capable of releasing the peptide and avoiding negative interactions that affect nisin antimicrobial activity in food environments. A set of different Mt-Npl relation samples was prepared. The antimicrobial activity and the total organic carbon/total nitrogen (TOC/TN) content measured in nisin solutions after contact with the clay decreased as the amount of solid increased; thus, indicating the adsorption of the peptide on the support. Also, the Mt-Npl solids presented inhibitory activity against Enterococcus faecium C1. Additionally, Fourier Transform-Infrared Attenuated Total Reflectance spectroscopy (FT-IR-ATR) analysis of the Mt-Npl lyophilised systems showed that nisin was preferably adsorbed on Mt among Nisaplin® ingredients, suggesting a unique concentration and immobilization method for this antimicrobial peptide that could be applied in food preservation. Practical Applications: Montmorillonite (Mt) is an inexpensive abundant natural clay characterized by a moderate cation exchange capacity with high surface area. Nisaplin® is a commercial form of nisin, a polypeptide bacteriocin active against several Gram-positive food spoilage and pathogen microorganisms. The increasing demand for fresh and natural food favors the application of biopreservatives such as nisin. However, the interaction of these antimicrobials with other food components reduces their inhibitory effect when directly introduced into food systems. Thus, alternatives for the inclusion of active biomolecules in foods are necessary. Since Mt is a potential food additive, its use as a nisin immobilization agent provides a strategy to protect and optimize the gradual peptide liberation. This immobilization approach does not only offer a simple, rapid, and low cost method for the concentration of nisin, but also provides a feasible alternative procedure for the introduction of this antimicrobial peptide in food complex systems.}, author = {Carolina Ibarguren and M. Carina Audisio and Edgardo L. Sham and Frank A. Müller and E. Mónica Farfán Torres}, doi = {10.1111/jfpp.12788}, issn = {17454549}, issue = {2}, journal = {Journal of Food Processing and Preservation}, month = {4}, publisher = {Blackwell Publishing Ltd}, title = {Adsorption of Nisin on Montmorillonite: A Concentration Strategy}, volume = {41}, year = {2017} } @article{Chen2025, abstract = {Oral medication treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is often hindered by challenges such as low drug accumulation rates, limited penetration of mucus barriers, and suboptimal therapeutic efficacy. Here, we engineer a probiotic delivery platform (denominated as MHBSA) based on halloysite clay nanotubes (HNTs) to eliminate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and modulate the dysregulated gut microbiota for targeted treatment of IBD. HNTs are functionalized with the excellent adhesion activity and metal coordination ability of epigallocatechin gallate (MPN@HNTs), which are then incorporated into alginate microspheres to load probiotics. The alginate microspheres exhibit controlled release responsive to the intestinal microenvironment. MPN@HNTs is targeted to the inflamed colon sites through electrostatic interactions, and the rod-like microstructure of HNTs prolongs its retention time on the mucosa and enhances accumulation. MPN@HNTs not only reduces aberrantly activated immune responses by eliminating ROS but also improves the resistance of probiotics to oxidative stress. Surprisingly, upon oral administration, MHBSA modulates the gut microbiota, including restoring diversity and enhancing the abundance of short-chain fatty acid-related bacteria. Overall, the pH-responsive oral formulation containing medicinal clay and probiotics is a promising approach for IBD treatment.}, author = {Xiangyu Chen and Yue Feng and Di Zhang and Shuiqing Zhou and Xinshuo Liu and Binghong Luo and Changren Zhou and Mingxian Liu}, doi = {10.1016/j.nantod.2025.102669}, issn = {1878044X}, journal = {Nano Today}, keywords = {Gut microbiota,Halloysite,Inflammatory bowel disease,Metal polyphenol network,Reactive oxygen species}, month = {6}, publisher = {Elsevier B.V.}, title = {Orally administered hydrogel containing polyphenol@halloysite clay for probiotic delivery and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease}, volume = {62}, year = {2025} } @article{Ding2025, abstract = {Blueberries are susceptible to microbial contamination and mechanical damage after harvesting, thereby accelerating their quality deterioration. Therefore, in the present work, thyme essential oil@halloysite nanotubes (TEO@HNTs)-loaded pullulan/gelatin/PVA (PGP) aerogels with antimicrobial activities and cushioning properties were developed to address these issues. The results showed that TEO achieved a 91.1 % encapsulation efficiency in HNTs and hydrogen bonding interactions were formed between TEO and HNTs. TEO@HNTs improved the crystallinity, thermal stability, compression properties, and surface hydrophobicity of the PGP aerogels. The TEO@HNTs-loaded aerogels exhibited a sustained release of TEO and antimicrobial activity against E. coli (inhibition zone of 13.92 mm), S. aureus (inhibition zone of 16.55 mm), and B. cinerea. Moreover, the aerogels offered good cushioning for blueberries when subjected to mechanical impact, thus maintaining their quality during storage. In addition, cell cytotoxicity analysis showed that cell viability exceeded 94 %, indicating the excellent biocompatibility of the TEO@HNTs-loaded aerogels. The above results suggested promising prospects for the development of a multifunctional aerogel to maintain the quality of food products, such as blueberries, which are susceptible to microbial contamination and mechanical damage.}, author = {Mingke Ding and Weijie Wu and Ruiling Liu and Ben Niu and Huizhi Chen and Xiangjun Fang and Hangjun Chen and Chaoyi Shen and Haiyan Gao}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.142917}, issn = {18790003}, journal = {International Journal of Biological Macromolecules}, keywords = {Bio-based aerogel,Blueberry,Thyme essential oil}, month = {5}, pmid = {40203906}, publisher = {Elsevier B.V.}, title = {Preparation and application of thyme essential oil@halloysite nanotubes-loaded multifunctional pullulan/gelatin/PVA aerogels}, volume = {309}, year = {2025} } @article{Ammar2018, abstract = {Nanotechnology advent in agri-food sector is set to prompt next revolution in agricultural engineering. However, there is a perpetually rising need for development of new nanotechnologies that could synchronically work with various agrochemicals such as fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and growth promoters to potentially increase farmlands efficiency, preserve agro-ecosystems, and diminish the negative health risks imposed by conventional practices. In nanotechnology, smart delivery systems that utilize either nanoscale carriers such as clay nanotubes and carbon nanotubes or nanoparticles such as mesoporous silica nanoparticles and silver nanoparticles, could enable not only the accurate and targeted delivery of functional ingredients but also their impartial dissemination over farmlands. Nanotechnology has found applications for bioremediation of irrigation water and agricultural runoff, crop breeding, agronomic traits via genetic manipulation of genomes at molecular level, and detection of minute quantities of contaminants and stressors as well as early detection of plant diseases and continuous monitoring of plant environment through employment of nano-biosensors. Scientists are diligently working to explore new substitutes for conventional technologies. Advancements in nanotechnology could help them to explore new frontiers and find novel applications in agri-food sector.}, author = {Ahmad S. Ammar}, doi = {10.15446/acag.v67n1.62011}, issn = {01202812}, issue = {1}, journal = {Acta Agronomica}, keywords = {Agrochemicals,Bioremediation,Crop breeding,Micro-fabricated xylem vessels,Smart delivery systems,Smart nano-dust.}, publisher = {Universidad Nacional de Colombia}, title = {Nanotechnologies associated to floral resources in agri-food sector}, volume = {67}, year = {2018} } @article{Tibkawin2025, author = {Natthawadee Tibkawin and Nichapa Buasumrit and Panatpong Boonnoun and Sukunya Ross and Gareth Ross and Brian Tighe and Jarupa Viyoch and Pensri Charoensit}, doi = {10.1016/j.afres.2025.101189}, issn = {27725022}, journal = {Applied Food Research}, month = {12}, pages = {101189}, publisher = {Elsevier BV}, title = {Antioxidant hybrid pigments developed by optimization of ascorbic acid loading into halloysite nanotubes via response surface methodology and co-loading with antioxidant-rich natural colorant: a functional food ingredient}, year = {2025} } @misc{Hajibonabi2023, abstract = {Thymol and carvacrol are aromatic compounds derived from plants that exhibit considerable broad-spectrum antimicrobial effects. They have also shown extensive biological effects, including antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic. Carvacrol and thymol also have pleasant smells, tastes, and potent antioxidant effects. Therefore, biological effects, along with their favorable toxicity, make thymol and carvacrol an option as an additive to inhibit microbial spoilage of foods and potent antimicrobial agents against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. However, volatility, low stability, and high hydrophobicity are some of the limitations of carvacrol and thymol, which limit their application. To increase the efficacy of thymol and carvacrol, especially antimicrobial properties, using a drug delivery system might be a practical option. Encapsulation of the essential oils into appropriated nanocarriers may decrease their potential limitations. Carvacrol and thymol-encapsulated nanomaterials have been shown to have more solubility and increased antibacterial effects. Here, we provide a brief review of the antimicrobial effects of carvacrol and thymol nanoformulation to give a prospect on their applications for future studies as natural antimicrobial agents and food additives.}, author = {Aida Hajibonabi and Mina Yekani and Simin Sharifi and Javid Sadri Nahad and Solmaz Maleki Dizaj and Mohammad Yousef Memar}, doi = {10.1016/j.onano.2023.100170}, issn = {23529520}, journal = {OpenNano}, keywords = {Antibacterial effects,Carvacrol,Nanoformulation,Thymol}, month = {9}, publisher = {Elsevier Inc.}, title = {Antimicrobial activity of nanoformulations of carvacrol and thymol: New trend and applications}, volume = {13}, year = {2023} } @article{Meira2015, abstract = {Three different nanoclays (bentonite, octadecylamine-modified montmorillonite and halloysite) were studied as potential carriers for the antimicrobial peptides nisin and pediocin. Adsorption occurred from peptide solutions in contact with nanoclays at room temperature. Higher adsorption of nisin and pediocin was obtained on bentonite. The antimicrobial activity of the resultant bacteriocin-nanoclay systems was analyzed using skimmed milk agar as food simulant and the largest inhibition zones were observed against Gram-positive bacteria for halloysite samples. Bacteriocins were intercalated into the interlayer space of montmorillonites as deduced from the increase of the basal spacing measured by X-ray diffraction (XRD) assay. Infrared spectroscopy suggested non-electrostatic interactions, such as hydrogen bonding between siloxane groups from clays and peptide molecules. Transmission electron microscopy did not show any alteration in morphologies after adsorption of antimicrobial peptides on bentonite and halloysite. These results indicate that nanoclays, especially halloysite, are suitable nanocarriers for nisin and pediocin adsorption.}, author = {Stela Maris Meister Meira and Arthur Izé Jardim and Adriano Brandelli}, doi = {10.1016/j.foodchem.2015.04.136}, issn = {18737072}, journal = {Food Chemistry}, keywords = {Adsorption,Bacteriocin,Halloysite,Montmorillonite,Nanoclay}, month = {4}, pages = {161-169}, pmid = {26041178}, publisher = {Elsevier Ltd}, title = {Adsorption of nisin and pediocin on nanoclays}, volume = {188}, year = {2015} } @misc{Zhong2025, abstract = {Anthocyanins are natural flavonoids derived from plants, widely recognized for their health-promoting effects, specifically to treat inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis). However, certain limitations are associated with their use, including instability, low solubility and permeability, poor gastrointestinal digestion, and low bioavailability. In this review, nano-carriers (e.g., liposome, polymersome, exosome, halloysite nanotubes, dendrimer, and nano-niosome, etc.) were summarized as anthocyanins delivery vehicles to treat inflammatory bowel disease. Recent progress on emerging strategies involved surface functionalization, responsive release, magnetic orientation, and self-assembly aggregation to address intestinal inflammation through nano-carriers and potential mechanisms were discussed. Anthocyanins, water-soluble pigments linked by glycoside bonds have attracted attention to alleviate intestinal inflammation related diseases. Anthocyanins can address intestinal inflammation by exerting their health beneficial effects such as anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, regulating the intestinal flora, and promoting apoptosis. Moreover, nano-carriers were discussed as oral delivery system for maximized bioefficacy of anthocyanins and to address concerns related to their low solubility and permeability, poor gastrointestinal metabolism, and low bioavailability were discussed. A future perspective is proposed concerning anthocyanin-loaded nano-carriers, different strategies to improve their efficacy, and developing functional food to treat intestinal inflammation.}, author = {Hao Zhong and Xin Luo and Abdullah and Xiaofeng Liu and Muhammad Hussain and Rongfa Guan}, doi = {10.1080/10408398.2025.2458741}, issn = {15497852}, journal = {Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition}, keywords = {Intestinal inflammation,anthocyanins,modification strategies,nano-carriers,therapeutic potential}, publisher = {Taylor and Francis Ltd.}, title = {Nano-targeted delivery system: a promising strategy of anthocyanin encapsulation for treating intestinal inflammation}, year = {2025} } @article{ankaya2024, abstract = { The antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant effects of halloysite nanoclay, Cloisite 10A (C10A) and Cloisite 15A (C15A) organonanoclays were examined in this study. The antimicrobial action was assessed using the agar-well method and the disc diffusion method. The free radical-scavenging effects of the clays were determined using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl method. Halloysite showed antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus . C10A was effective against both Gram-positive bacteria ( S. aureus , Listeria monocytogenes , Bacillus subtilis and E. faecalis ) and Gram-negative bacteria ( Escherichia coli , Klebsiella pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa ). Additionally, only C10A was found to have an antimicrobial effect on Candida glabrata of 18 mm amongst the tested clays. C15A showed an antimicrobial effect on S. aureus and K. pneumoniae . It was determined that the antifungal properties of organoclays were higher than those of halloysite. The most effective clay type was determined to be C10A. The positively charged inner surface of the halloysite nanoclay can provide a large area to which negatively charged free radicals can attach. The modified C15A used in this study has two long-chain alkyl groups attached, whereas the modified C10A has a single long-chain alkyl group and a benzyl group attached. It is proposed that the differences in these antimicrobial effects are due to the structures of the molecules. According to these results, organoclays as green source materials could be used as additives and coatings in food processing, biomedical devices, filters and paints due to their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. }, author = {Nevin Çankaya and Arzu Ünal and Safiye Elif Korcan}, doi = {10.1180/clm.2024.1}, issn = {0009-8558}, issue = {1}, journal = {Clay Minerals}, month = {3}, pages = {1-10}, publisher = {Mineralogical Society}, title = {Comparison of the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of halloysite nanotubes and organoclays as green source materials}, volume = {59}, year = {2024} } @misc{Fu2024, abstract = {Anthocyanins are natural polyphenols belonging to the flavonoid family that possess a variety of putative health benefits when consumed in a balanced diet. However, applications of anthocyanins in, for example, functional foods are limited due to poor stability, degradation, and low transmembrane efficiency. To maintain bioactivities of anthocyanins and optimize their use, various carrier materials have been developed. Here, we reviewed the uses of the different carrier materials (organic/inorganic, micro/nano) for anthocyanin encapsulation and delivery over the past five years. The performance of different materials and interactions between anthocyanins and these materials are described. Lastly, we give our perspective on the future development trend of anthocyanin encapsulation strategies.}, author = {Ze Fu and Hao Ju and Guang Sen Xu and Yan Chao Wu and Xiao Chen and Hui Jing Li}, doi = {10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.138104}, issn = {18737072}, journal = {Food Chemistry}, keywords = {Anthocyanins,Carrier material,Encapsulation,Stability,Transmembrane}, month = {5}, pmid = {38043284}, publisher = {Elsevier Ltd}, title = {Recent development of carrier materials in anthocyanins encapsulation applications: A comprehensive literature review}, volume = {439}, year = {2024} } @article{Blagojevi2020, abstract = {Cornelian cherry fruit extract rich in anthocyanins and iridoids was encapsulated in the halloysite nanotubes in order to obtain a stable nanoscale system for better delivery and prolonged release of bioactive constituents. The cyclic vacuum technique was used for halloysite nanotubes-cornelian cherry composite preparation and the loading of 8.5 wt% was achieved. Pure cornelian cherry extract exhibited antiproliferative effect on HT-29, MCF7, and MRC-5 cells, pristine halloysite nanotubes affected the growth of MCF7 cells, while halloysite nanotubes-cornelian cherry composites demonstrated proliferative activity in all tested cells. The sustained release of anthocyanins was achieved by this encapsulation strategy. Additional implementation of halloysite nanotubes-cornelian cherry into yogurt prolonged the release of iridoid molecules. Obtained results indicate that halloysite nanoclay is a suitable nanocarrier for cornelian cherry constituents that can be utilized in food and pharmaceutical industries.}, author = {Bojana Blagojević and Dragana Četojević-Simin and Filippo Parisi and Giuseppe Lazzara and Boris M. Popović}, doi = {10.1016/j.lwt.2020.110247}, issn = {00236438}, journal = {LWT}, keywords = {Anthocyanins,Bioactivity,Cornelian cherry,Halloysite,Iridoids}, month = {12}, publisher = {Academic Press}, title = {Halloysite nanotubes as a carrier of cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) bioactives}, volume = {134}, year = {2020} } @misc{Herrera-Ruiz2022, abstract = {Gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA)-based composites are evolving three-dimensional (3D) networking hydrophilic protein composite scaffolds with high water content. These protein composites have been devoted to biomedical applications due to their unique abilities, such as flexibility, soft structure, versatility, stimuli-responsiveness, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and others. They resemble the native extracellular matrix (ECM) thanks to their remarkable cell-adhesion and matrix-metalloproteinase (MMP)-responsive amino acid motifs. These favorable properties promote cells to proliferate and inflate within GelMA-protein scaffolds. The performance of GelMA composites has been enriched using cell-amenable components, including peptides and proteins with a high affinity to harmonize cellular activities and tissue morphologies. Due to their inimitable merits, GelMA systems have been used in various fields such as drug delivery, biosensor, the food industry, biomedical, and other health sectors. The current knowledge and the role of GelMA scaffolds in bone tissue engineering are limited. The rational design and development of novel nanomaterials-incorporated GelMA-based composites with unique physicochemical and biological advantages would be used to regulate cellular functionality and bone regeneration. Substantial challenges remain. This review focuses on recent progress in mitigating those disputes. The study opens with a brief introduction to bone tissue engineering and GelMA-based composites, followed by their potential applications in bone tissue engineering. The future perspectives and current challenges of GelMA composites are demonstrated. This review would guide the researchers to design and fabricate more efficient multifunctional GelMA-based composites with improved characteristics for their practical applications in bone tissue engineering and biomedical segments.}, author = {Abigail Herrera-Ruiz and Benjamín Betancourt Tovar and Rubén Gutiérrez García and María Fernanda Leal Tamez and Narsimha Mamidi}, doi = {10.3390/pharmaceutics14122645}, issn = {19994923}, issue = {12}, journal = {Pharmaceutics}, keywords = {GelMA,bone tissue engineering,carbon nanomaterials,nanomaterials,nanoparticles}, month = {12}, publisher = {MDPI}, title = {Nanomaterials-Incorporated Chemically Modified Gelatin Methacryloyl-Based Biomedical Composites: A Novel Approach for Bone Tissue Engineering}, volume = {14}, year = {2022} } @misc{CHEN2024, abstract = {Essential oils (EOs) are natural, volatile substances derived from aromatic plants. They exhibit multiple pharmacological effects, including antibacterial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, with broad application prospects in health care, food, and agriculture. However, the instability of volatile components, which are susceptible to deterioration under light, heat, and oxygen exposure, as well as limited water solubility, have significantly impeded the development and application of EOs. Porous nanoclays are natural clay minerals with a layered structure. They possess unique structural characteristics such as large pore size, regular distribution, and tunable particle size, which are extensively utilized in drug delivery, adsorption separation, reaction catalysis, and other fields. Natural-derived porous nanoclays have garnered considerable attention for the encapsulation and delivery of EOs. This review comprehensively summarizes the structure, types, and properties of natural-derived porous nanoclays, focusing on the structural characteristics of porous nanoclays such as montmorillonite, palygorskite, halloysite, kaolinite, vermiculite, and natural zeolite. It also examines research advances in their delivery of EOs and explores engineering strategies to enhance the delivery of EOs by natural-derived porous nanoclays. Finally, various applications of natural-derived porous nanoclays for EOs in antibacterial, food preservation, repellent, and insecticide aspects are presented, providing a reference for the development and application of EOs.}, author = {Hongxin CHEN and Xiaoyu SU and Yijuan LUO and Yan LIAO and Fengxia WANG and Lizhen HUANG and Aiguo FAN and Jing LI and Pengfei YUE}, doi = {10.1016/S1875-5364(24)60731-4}, issn = {18755364}, issue = {12}, journal = {Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines}, keywords = {Application,Delivery,Engineering strategies,Essential oils,Natural-derived porous nanoclays}, month = {12}, pages = {1117-1133}, pmid = {39725512}, publisher = {China Pharmaceutical University}, title = {Natural-derived porous nanocarriers for the delivery of essential oils}, volume = {22}, year = {2024} } @article{Yan2006, abstract = {The production of cyanobacterial toxins microcystins (MCs) by cyanobacterial bloom which may promote the growth of tumor in human liver is a growing environmental problem worldwide. In this paper, the adsorption of MC-RR and LR, which were extracted from cyanobacterial cells in Dianchi Lake in China, by carbon nanotubes (CNTs), wood-based activated carbon (ACs) and clays were investigated. Compared with ACs and clay materials of sepiolite, kaolinite and talc tested, CNTs were found to have a strong ability in the adsorption of MCs. At the concentrations of 21.5 mg l-1 MC-RR and 9.6 mg l-1 MC-LR in 50 mmol phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.0), the adsorption amounts of MCs by CNTs with the range of outside diameter from 2 to 10 nm were 14.8 and 5.9 mg g-1, which were about four times higher than those by other adsorbents tested. It was shown that with the decrease of CNTs outside diameters from 60 to 2 nm, the adsorption amount of MCs was apparently increased, however the size of CNTs particles formed in solution declined. This result implies that the size of CNTs tube pore that is fit for the molecular dimension of MCs plays a dominant role. Furthermore the specific surface area of CNTs was also found to be a factor in the adsorption of MCs. The results suggested that the selection of suitable size of CNTs as a kind of adsorbent is very important in the efficient eliminating MCs from drinking water in future. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.}, author = {Hai Yan and Aijun Gong and Hongsheng He and Jie Zhou and Yuxia Wei and Le Lv}, doi = {10.1016/j.chemosphere.2005.03.075}, issn = {00456535}, issue = {1}, journal = {Chemosphere}, keywords = {Activated carbon,Adsorption,Carbon nanotubes,Clays,Microcystin-LR,Microcystin-RR}, month = {1}, pages = {142-148}, pmid = {15893800}, title = {Adsorption of microcystins by carbon nanotubes}, volume = {62}, year = {2006} } @article{Jiang2025, abstract = {This study reports a facial approach to fabricate hydrogel membranes with tailored application in topical acne therapy by incorporating tea tree oil (TTO)-loaded Pickering emulsion stabilized by dodecyl triethoxysilane-modified palygorskite in chitosan (CS)/hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) polymer matrix. This adding Pickering encapsulated TTO strategy endowed the CS/HEC membrane with increased membrane thickness, mechanical strength, surface hydrophilicity and body fluid absorbability as well as a decreased transparency, all of which could be tailored by adjusting the content of TTO Pickering emulsion in the polymer matrix during preparation. Compared with the TTO directly added membrane, the composite membranes possessed well-distributed small droplets of TTO in the continuous phase of membrane matrix, which can be slowly released at skin physicochemical conditions within 10 h, providing favorable antioxidant scavenging of DPPH and potent bacterial inhibitory effects against Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus aureus. Moreover, the Pickering TTO/CS/HEC membranes exhibited advanced efficacy over the plain CS/HEC membrane in clearing facial acnes by reducing the size of flamed acnes and restoring the impaired barrier function. These findings have broadened the applicability of chitosan-based polymeric membranes in the dermocosmetic field by incorporating Pickering encapsulated essential oils and provide insights into the development of novel multifunctional wound dressings.}, author = {Chunying Jiang and Hongyan Cui and Peixuan Tan and Qiongyi Huang and Qi Liu and Jia Dong and Ying Tang}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.146317}, issn = {18790003}, journal = {International Journal of Biological Macromolecules}, keywords = {Acne,Chitosan,Palygorskite}, month = {9}, publisher = {Elsevier B.V.}, title = {Chitosan membrane tailored for topical acne treatment by incorporating Pickering encapsulated tea tree oil based on organosilane-modified palygorskite}, volume = {321}, year = {2025} } @article{Hernndez2023, abstract = {L-ascorbic acid (LAA), commonly known as vitamin C, is an excellent and recognized antioxidant molecule used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations. Several strategies have been developed in order to preserve its chemical stability, connected with its antioxidant power, but there is little research regarding the employment of natural clays as LAA host. A safe bentonite (Bent)—which was verified by in vivo ophthalmic irritability and acute dermal toxicity assays—was used as carrier of LAA. The supramolecular complex between LAA and clay may constitute an excellent alternative, since the molecule integrity does not seem to be affected, at least from the point of view of its antioxidant capacity. The Bent/LAA hybrid was prepared and characterized through ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared (IR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TG/DTG) and zeta potential measurements. Photostability and antioxidant capacity tests were also performed. The LAA incorporation into Bent clay was demonstrated, as well as the drug stability due to the Bent photoprotective effect onto the LAA molecule. Moreover, the antioxidant capacity of the drug in the Bent/LAA composite was confirmed.}, author = {Dayaris Hernández and Anaela Montalvo and Irela Pérez and Clarence Charnay and Rita Sánchez-Espejo and Pilar Cerezo and César Viseras and Serena Riela and Giuseppe Cinà and Aramis Rivera}, doi = {10.3390/pharmaceutics15041171}, issn = {19994923}, issue = {4}, journal = {Pharmaceutics}, keywords = {L-ascorbic acid,antioxidant capacity,bentonite,photoprotection}, month = {4}, publisher = {Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)}, title = {Antioxidant Efficacy and “In Vivo” Safety of a Bentonite/Vitamin C Hybrid}, volume = {15}, year = {2023} } @article{Poma2025, abstract = {Multidrug resistance (MDR) due to the overexpression of the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) efflux pump remains a significant challenge in cancer therapy, also in breast cancer. Traditional pharmacological approaches have focused on using inhibitors to modulate P-gp expression and function. Curcumin, a polyphenol derived from Curcuma longa L., is one of the most extensively studied natural compounds with the potential as an effective P-gp inhibitor. Despite its promising attributes, the clinical application of P-gp inhibitors is complicated by P-gp's presence in healthy cells, such as those in the intestinal barrier and blood–brain barrier, which can lead to increased toxicity. To address these challenges, we developed a novel multifunctional nanomaterial by covalently bonding halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) with hectorite (Ht) and loading it with curcumin and doxorubicin. The efficacy of the co-delivery of curcumin and doxorubicin by HNTs-Ht nanomaterial was evaluated by cytotoxicity assays on MCF-7R cells, both in two-dimensional (2D) and in three-dimensional (3D) models. The obtained data show that curcumin causes increased doxorubicin accumulation by acting as a substrate for P-gp transport and as a stimulator of the adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-dependent drug efflux transporter on a doxorubicin-resistant breast cancer cell line. The results suggest that the HNTs-Ht nanomaterial could provide a promising approach to improve chemotherapy effectiveness by overcoming MDR and enhancing treatment outcomes.}, author = {Paola Poma and Marina Massaro and Salvatrice Rigogliuso and Lucia Condorelli and Rita Sánchez-Espejo and César Viseras and Monica Notarbartolo and Serena Riela}, doi = {10.1002/ardp.202400702}, issn = {15214184}, issue = {1}, journal = {Archiv der Pharmazie}, keywords = {3D model,P-glycoprotein inhibition,clay mineral,curcumin,nanomaterials}, month = {1}, pmid = {39726071}, publisher = {John Wiley and Sons Inc}, title = {Curcumin and doxorubicin encapsulated in biocompatible clay-based nanomaterial: A strategy to overcome multidrug resistance}, volume = {358}, year = {2025} } @article{Pargoletti2021, abstract = {In bottled wines, haze and turbidity are phenomena to be avoided. Since bentonite fining is a common process to clarify wines removing heat unstable proteins, a theoretical study on the adsorption of three Charged Model Molecules (CMMs, egg albumin, polyphenols and riboflavin) was carried out to deep comprehend this chemical phenomenon. Four bentonites were adopted and finely characterized together with the potential release of Na+ and Ca2+ cations, revealing suitable for RT albumin removal within 120 min. Better results in terms of adsorbed quantity were achieved by adopting 12%v/v EtOH/H2O solvent and by swelling bentonites for 24 h before use. With the most performing sample (Na/Ca_0.27), a comprehensive study on simultaneous adsorption of the three CMMs was performed, resulting in polyphenols adsorption increase due to their interactions with albumin. Notwithstanding the majority of albumin and riboflavin was successfully removed, ca. 40–50% of tested polyphenols was preserved.}, author = {E. Pargoletti and L. Sanarica and M. Ceruti and F. Elli and C. Pisarra and G. Cappelletti}, doi = {10.1016/j.foodchem.2020.127840}, issn = {18737072}, journal = {Food Chemistry}, keywords = {Adsorption,Bentonites,Kinetics,Wine charged model molecules,Wine fining}, month = {2}, pmid = {32822903}, publisher = {Elsevier Ltd}, title = {A comprehensive study on the effect of bentonite fining on wine charged model molecules}, volume = {338}, year = {2021} } @article{OrtaCuevas2025, abstract = {Curcumin (Cur) is a bioactive compound with various pharmacotherapeutic effects. However, its limited solubility and stability pose challenges for therapeutic applications. Clay minerals, such as montmorillonite (MMT) and high-charge swelling synthetic micas, show promise as drug carriers due to their properties. This study aimed to obtain complexes with clay minerals that could enhance the stability of Cur. MMT, Na-Mica-4, and the latter organofunctionalized with 18-carbon alkylamines (C18-Mica-4) were used as support for Cur. Adsorption studies showed that Na-Mica-4 exhibited the highest percentage of adsorption (60%). Cur-Mica-4 complexes were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal analysis (DSC and TGA), specific surface area (BET), pore size and volume determinations, and surface charge determination by zeta potential measurement. The effect of light on Cur and Cur-Mica-4 complexes was also evaluated. Forced degradation studies were performed under hydrolytic, oxidative, photolytic, and thermal conditions to assess the stability and degradation pathways. The FTIR spectra indicated that the enol tautomer mainly formed part of the complexes. BET analysis showed a reduced pore size after adsorption, indicating Cur immobilization. TGA and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) suggested degradation primarily occurring under exposure to sunlight, heat, and ultraviolet light. The effect of acidic and basic conditions on the Cur-Mica-4 complex was evaluated. Under acidic conditions, a decrease in the specific surface area of the complex was observed, suggesting the formation of larger configurational structures. An increase in the specific surface area with a smaller pore size was observed in the basic medium, possibly due to the formation of new structures in the clay minerals, supported by XRD results. These findings indicate that the pH of the medium can significantly influence the structure and stability of the Cur-Mica-4 complex, which could have important implications for its application in specific environments, such as drug delivery systems.}, author = {María del Mar Orta Cuevas and Ana Fernández Romero and Antonio M. Rabasco Álvarez and Santiago Medina-Carrasco and María Luisa González-Rodríguez}, doi = {10.1021/acs.langmuir.5c01163}, issn = {15205827}, issue = {21}, journal = {Langmuir}, month = {6}, pages = {13407-13420}, pmid = {40407056}, publisher = {American Chemical Society}, title = {Curcumin-Loaded High-Charge Swelling Synthetic Mica: Characterization Studies and Stability under Stress Conditions}, volume = {41}, year = {2025} } @article{Alavijeh2019, abstract = {Vitamin B6 was nano-encapsulated in between modified montmorillonite nanolayers. Results indicated that electrostatic interaction forces dominate the adsorption onto different sites of the nanolayers. The successful nano-encapsulation was achieved when the interlayers spaces of the nanolayer were saturated with cations of Na þ or Ca 2þ resulted in adsorption of vitamin B6 in between nanosheets. At these conditions, controlled pH-responsive desorption properties were detected and vitamin B6 was released mostly from the interlayer spaces. The presented modified montmorillonite could be used for nanoencapsulation of drugs and biomolecules with high protection of carrying materials during storage and even through the digestion process.}, author = {Mozhgan Akbari Alavijeh and Mehdi Nasiri Sarvi and Zahra Ramazani Afarani and M N Sarvi}, doi = {10.1016/j.heliyon.2019}, isbn = {8415683111}, journal = {Heliyon}, keywords = {Materials science,Nanotechnology}, pages = {e01379}, title = {Modified montmorillonite nanolayers for nano-encapsulation of biomolecules}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e01379}, year = {2019} } @article{Oh2021, abstract = {Illite is a clay mineral that shows antioxidant and antibacterial activities because of the abundance of important clay elements in its structure. However, illite has low bioactivity due to its low solubility and electron-donating ability in aqueous solutions. Therefore, we aimed to develop polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-stabilized illite microparticles (P-lite MPs) via polymer adsorption on illite surfaces. An increasing amount of PVP was used to coat a fixed amount of illite to prepare P-lite MPs of different hydrodynamic diameters in the range of 4–9 µm. These sizes were maintained for 2 weeks during storage in a biological buffer without any noticeable changes. The stabilization of illite microparticles using a hydrophilic PVP polymer improved their aqueous dispersity and free radical-scavenging activity. Since the large surface area of microparticles provides several sites for interactions, the smallest P-lite MP exhibited the highest antioxidant and antibacterial activities. More importantly, the MPs showed effective free radical-scavenging activity in vitro without any cytotoxicity. Therefore, P-lite MPs with improved bioavailability may represent a suitable bioactive material for various industrial and biomedical applications.}, author = {Hyeryeon Oh and Jin Sil Lee and Hye Sun Lee and Daekyung Sung and Won Il Choi}, doi = {10.3390/polym13244275}, issn = {20734360}, issue = {24}, journal = {Polymers}, keywords = {Antibacterial effect,Antioxidant,Illite,Organoclay,Polyvinylpyrrolidone}, month = {12}, publisher = {MDPI}, title = {A novel polyvinylpyrrolidone-stabilized illite microparticle with enhanced antioxidant and antibacterial effect}, volume = {13}, year = {2021} } @article{Wang2025, abstract = {In this research, Curcumin, a naturally occurring pigment, was utilized to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), serving as a reducing agent, and stabilizer, through an environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and straightforward method. This process occurred on the surface of kaolin; a mineral clay modified with chitosan. The study revealed that the phenolic hydroxyl and carbonyl functional groups of Curcuma played a significant role in reducing silver ions to form AgNPs with a characteristic ginger hue. Additionally, the presence of kaolin minerals promoted the in-situ nucleation of AgNPs on both the surface and within the interlayers of the modified kaolin. This approach successfully inhibited aggregation and ensured a uniform distribution of AgNPs, with particle sizes ranging from 20 to 30 nm across the kaolin surface. The resulting Kaolin@CS-Cur/AgNPs nanocomposite was thoroughly characterized using various analytical techniques, including TEM, SEM, FT-IR, EDX-elemental mapping, ICP-OES, and XRD. The composite demonstrated promising catalytic activity in the solvent-free preparation of 1-substituted-1H-tetrazoles via a three-component coupling reaction (MCR) involving NaN3, amines, and triethyl orthoformate. Catalyst performance was further validated by conducting eight catalyst recycling cycles, drain tests, and hot filtration experiments. DPPH assay indicates the power antioxidant efficacy of Kaolin@CS-Cur/AgNPs nanocomposite. After undergoing 3–4 passages, the lung cancer cells as well as the normal cell were meticulously prepared in regards to their morphology and quantity through in vitro experiments. After separating the flask surface cells through trypsin-EDTA, we evaluated and enumerated the cell viability, and subsequently cultured 3 × 103 cells in 96 wells with or without NPs. IC50 of Kaolin@CS-Cur/AgNPs nanocomposite was 110, 96, and 38 on HLC-1, LC-2/ad and PC-14 lung cancer cells.}, author = {Yudong Wang and Jun Liu and Attalla F. El-kott and Ali S. AlSheri and Heba I. Ghamry}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.141540}, issn = {18790003}, journal = {International Journal of Biological Macromolecules}, keywords = {Curcumin,Kaolin,Lung cancer,Silver nanoparticles,Tetrazoles}, month = {5}, pmid = {40020824}, publisher = {Elsevier B.V.}, title = {Curcumin-mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles immobilized on chitosan-modified kaolin: Investigation of its catalytic activity, antioxidant and anti-lung cancer effects}, volume = {307}, year = {2025} } @article{Berraaouan2023, abstract = {The foremost objective of this work is to assess the microcapsules composition (polymer-based and polymer/clay-based) effect, on the release of rosemary essential oil into w/o medium and evaluate their antioxidant activity. Calcium alginate (CA) and calcium alginate/montmorillonite hybrid (CA-MTN) microcapsules were developed following an ionotropic crosslinking gelation and were used as host materials for the encapsulation of rosemary essential oil. The unloaded/loaded CA and hybrid CA-MTN microcapsules were characterized by Fourier transform infra-red (FT-ATR) spectroscopy, thermal analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and DPPH assay. The evaluation of the microcapsule’s physicochemical properties has shown that the clay filling with montmorillonite improved the microcapsule’s properties. The encapsulation efficiency improved significantly in hybrid CA-MTN microcapsules and exhibited higher values ranging from 81 for CA to 83% for hybrid CA-MTN and a loading capacity of 71 for CA and 73% for hybrid CA-MTN, owing to the large adsorption capacity of the sodic clay. Moreover, the hybrid CA-MTN microcapsules showed a time-extended release of rosemary essential oil compared to CA microcapsules. Finally, the DPPH assay displayed a higher reduction of free radicals in hybrid CA-MNT-REO (12.8%) than CA-REO (10%) loaded microcapsules. These results proved that the clay–alginate combination provides microcapsules with enhanced properties compared to the polymer-based microcapsules.}, author = {Doha Berraaouan and Kamal Essifi and Mohamed Addi and Christophe Hano and Marie Laure Fauconnier and Abdesselam Tahani}, doi = {10.3390/polym15040823}, issn = {20734360}, issue = {4}, journal = {Polymers}, keywords = {clay,controlled release,encapsulation,hybrids,rosemary essential oil,sodium alginate}, month = {2}, publisher = {MDPI}, title = {Hybrid Microcapsules for Encapsulation and Controlled Release of Rosemary Essential Oil}, volume = {15}, year = {2023} } @article{Karimi-Soflou2022, abstract = {Biocompatibility, mechanical strength, and osteogenesis properties of three-dimensional scaffolds are critical for bone tissue engineering. In addition, reactive oxygen species accumulate around bone defects and limit the activities of surrounding cells and bone formation. Therefore, the presence of an antioxidant in a bone tissue scaffold is also essential to address this issue. This study aimed to evaluate a composite nanofibrous scaffold similar to the natural extracellular matrix with antioxidant and osteogenic properties. To this end, polylactic acid (PLA)/organophilic montmorillonite (OMMT)/resveratrol (RSV) nanofibers were fabricated using the electrospinning method and characterized. RSV was used as an antioxidant, which promotes osteogenic differentiation, and OMMT was used as a mineral phase to increase the mechanical strength and control the release of RSV. The scaffolds' antioxidant activity was measured using DPPH assay and found 83.75% for PLA/OMMT/RSV nanofibers. The mechanical strength was increased by adding OMMT to the neat PLA. The biocompatibility of the scaffolds was investigated using an MTT assay, and the results did not show any toxic effects on human adipose mesenchymal stem cells (hASCs). Moreover, the Live/Dead assay indicated the appropriate distribution of live cells after 5 days. Cell culture results displayed that hASCs could adhere and spread on the surface of composite nanofibers. Meanwhile, the level of alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, and osteopontin was increased for hASCs cultured on the PLA/OMMT/RSV nanofibrous scaffold. Therefore, this study concludes that the RSV-loaded composite nanofibers with antioxidant and osteogenesis properties and appropriate mechanical strength can be introduced for bone tissue regeneration applications.}, author = {Reza Karimi-Soflou and Elham Mohseni-Vadeghani and Akbar Karkhaneh}, doi = {10.1002/jbm.a.37262}, issn = {15524965}, issue = {1}, journal = {Journal of Biomedical Materials Research - Part A}, keywords = {antioxidant,composite nanofibrous scaffold,organophilic montmorillonite,osteogenic differentiation,resveratrol}, month = {1}, pages = {21-30}, pmid = {34228402}, publisher = {John Wiley and Sons Inc}, title = {Controlled release of resveratrol from a composite nanofibrous scaffold: Effect of resveratrol on antioxidant activity and osteogenic differentiation}, volume = {110}, year = {2022} } @article{Derdar2025, abstract = {

In this study, we present a novel and straightforward approach for the synthesis of copolymers and nanocomposites based on α- and β-pinene, employing an eco-friendly and cost-effective nano-reinforcing filler. The copolymers (α-co-β-P) were produced through cationic copolymerization, using AlCl3 as a catalyst. The structural characterization of the resulting copolymer was validated through FT-IR, 1H-NMR spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The molecular weight of the obtained polymer is determined by Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) analysis and is about 4500 g/mol. Nanocomposites (α-co-β-P/Clay 2, 5, 8, and 10% by weight of nano-clay) were synthesized by combining clay and α-co-β-P copolymer in solution using ultrasonic irradiation. This ultrasound-assisted method was employed to enhance and assess the structural, morphological, and thermal properties of the pure copolymer. The morphology of the resultant nanocomposites was characterized using infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed that the nanocomposites exhibit a higher degradation temperature compared to the pure copolymer. The analyses provided evidence of the chemical modification of nano-clay layers and their uniform dispersion in the α-co-β-P copolymer matrix. Exfoliated structures were achieved for lower clay concentration (2% by weight), while intercalated structures and immiscible regions were observed for higher clay concentrations (5, 8, and 10% by weight). The antioxidant activity of α-pinene, β-pinene, and the obtained nanocomposites were studied using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) as a model free-radical. The results demonstrate a significant antioxidant potential of the nanocomposites, showcasing their ability to effectively neutralize free-radicals. Finally, a novel procedure was devised for the rapid synthesis of copolymers and nanocomposites using α- and β-pinene.

}, author = {Hodhaifa Derdar and Zakaria Cherifi and Geoffrey Robert Mitchell and Artur Mateus and Meziane Zerrouki and Naima Hammoudi and Khaldoun Bachari and Redouane Chebout and Fouzia Touahra and Abdelghani Bouchama and Amine Harrane and Rachid Meghabar}, doi = {10.3390/polym17172378}, issn = {2073-4360}, issue = {17}, journal = {Polymers}, month = {8}, pages = {2378}, title = {Nanocomposites from β-Pinene and α-Pinene Copolymer: Synthesis, Characterization, and Antioxidant Evaluation}, volume = {17}, url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/17/17/2378}, year = {2025} } @article{Massaro2018, abstract = {Hybrid material based on halloysite covalently linked to a hyper-reticulated cyclodextrin network was investigated as a potential carrier for polyphenolic compounds. The absorption ability of the hybrid system was studied in different pH conditions as well as the kinetic release of curcumin, chosen as a drug model. A preliminary study was performed to assess the antioxidant capacity of the obtained carrier. The obtained results highlighted that the curcumin molecule can have sustained release from the carrier over the time, retaining its antioxidant properties due to the combination of two different host systems that give rise to an hyper-reticulated structure, allowing an increase in the drug loading and stabilization. Therefore, this work puts forward an efficient strategy to prepare organic-inorganic hybrids with three different cavities that could encapsulate two or more drug molecules with different physico-chemical properties.}, author = {Marina Massaro and Serena Riela}, doi = {10.3390/jfb9040061}, issn = {20794983}, issue = {4}, journal = {Journal of Functional Biomaterials}, keywords = {Cyclodextrin,Halloysite,Nanosponges,Polyphenolic compounds}, month = {11}, publisher = {MDPI AG}, title = {Organo-clay nanomaterials based on halloysite and cyclodextrin as carriers for polyphenolic compounds}, volume = {9}, year = {2018} } @article{Maneetong2024, abstract = {Clay is naturally occurring and poses a low risk. It is distinguished by mineral composition and ability to adsorb plant colorants and phytochemicals effectively. This study aimed to enhance the stability of bio-clay by preparing body mud scrubs through a solid-state reaction, combining volcanic clay with herbal plants, including Bougainvillea spp., Pandanus amaryllifolius Roxb., and Curcuma longa L. (bio-clay). The characterization of purification clay revealed strong stability within its mineral composition. The optimum condition for sampling was 4 °C, which reserved the total phenolic content (TPC), 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. A high Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC; mg TEAC/g sample) and low half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) indicated excellent antioxidant activity. Over a storage period of 28 d, the Bougainvillea spp., Curcuma longa L., purified clay + Bougainvillea spp., and purified clay + Curcuma longa L. samples retained their stability. Their TPC, % scavenging, TEAC, and IC50 showed dominant antioxidant activity, stable active phenolic compounds, and the maintenance of extensive amounts. This compound is widely applied as a unique cosmetic ingredient.}, author = {Sarunya Maneetong and Pattaranun Thuadaij}, doi = {10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29122}, issn = {24058440}, issue = {7}, journal = {Heliyon}, keywords = {Antioxidant activity,Bio-clay,Body mud scrubs,Phenolic content,Stable}, month = {4}, publisher = {Elsevier Ltd}, title = {Bio-clay: Antioxidant-rich and stable for body mud scrubs}, volume = {10}, year = {2024} } @article{Zhang2024, abstract = {This study focused on the encapsulation of modified halloysite nanotubes (AHNT) using sodium alginate (SA) and chitosan (CS) through a layer-by-layer assembly technique. The objective was to develop new composites (CPs) that could control the release of carvacrol (Car) and enhance its stability. The influence of various conditions on the microstructure, chemical properties, and slow-release effects of the CPs was examined by adjusting the pH and concentration of the CS solution. The results indicated that the CPs (CS4.5–1), created with a CS solution concentration of 1 mg/mL at a pH of 4.5, in conjunction with a 1 mg/mL SA solution, demonstrated a superior encapsulation structure and a loading efficiency of 26.33 %. In vitro release experiments confirmed that the CPs exhibited effective slow-release properties for Car. Furthermore, the CS4.5–1 composite provided a physical barrier that resulted in the retention of 94.90 % and 83.61 % of Car after 6 h of exposure to UV light and heat, respectively. Antimicrobial and antioxidant assays indicated that CS4.5–1/Car possessed significant antioxidant properties and effectively inhibited the growth of E. coli and S. aureus. Consequently, the prepared CPs have the potential to enhance the bioactivity of active compounds and may be beneficial for food preservation and other applications.}, author = {Yuemei Zhang and Haoyue Ning and Jing Xu and Lixin Lu}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.137091}, issn = {18790003}, journal = {International Journal of Biological Macromolecules}, keywords = {Layer-by-layer assembly,Slow-release,Stability}, month = {12}, pmid = {39486717}, publisher = {Elsevier B.V.}, title = {Layer-by-layer assembly of modified halloysite nanotube using chitosan and sodium alginate to control the release of carvacrol and improve its stability}, volume = {282}, year = {2024} } @article{Khan2022, abstract = {The impact of individual component, i.e., plant extract (Plagiochasma rupestre), biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), and healing clay (bentonite) as antimicrobial agent is reported but their combined effect as a ternary system is a new approach. This study is aimed at investigating the impact of the proposed ternary system against selected human pathogens. AgNPs were synthesized by using Plagiochasma rupestre extract (aqueous) as reducing agent and neutral polymer (PVP) as stabilizer. The morphology, size, and structural properties of synthesized AgNPs were determined with XRD and SEM analysis which showed spherical monomodal particles with an average particle size of 25.5 nm. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of the individual and nanoternary system were investigated. The phytochemical screening of plant extract showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenol, and glycosides in methanol extract as compare to aqueous and acetone extract. The antimicrobial activities of crude extracts of Plagiochasma rupestre with AgNPs and bentonite clay were studied as an appropriate candidate for treatment of microbial infections, especially bacterial and fungal diseases. The antioxidant activity of Plagiochasma rupestre aqueous extract and nanoparticles was assessed by (DPPH) free radical, and absorbance was checked at 517 nm. Crude extract has inhibitory effect towards bacteria and fungi, and bentonite clay also showed some degree of antimicrobial resistance. Strategy can be efficiently applied for future engineering and medical. The nanoternary systems showed 3 and 3.5 times higher antibacterial and antifungal activity, respectively, in comparison to Plagiochasma rupestre and bentonite clay, individually.}, author = {Muhammad Musa Khan and Qaisar Abbas Bhatti and Muhammad Akhlaq and Muhammad Ishaq and Daoud Ali and Aamir Jalil and Junaid Asghar and Saud Alarifi and Abdelhamid Elaissari}, doi = {10.1155/2022/4264466}, issn = {23146141}, journal = {BioMed Research International}, pmid = {35880032}, publisher = {Hindawi Limited}, title = {Assessment of Antimicrobial Potential of Plagiochasma rupestre Coupled with Healing Clay Bentonite and AGNPS}, volume = {2022}, year = {2022} } @article{Fiorito2021, abstract = {The aim of this study was to establish a convenient process to get auraptene-enriched blends from Citrus limon L. Osbeck (Rutaceae) peels powder with functional food and nutraceutical potential and antioxidant properties. The process consisted in the selective adsorption of auraptene by bentonite followed by desorption and evaporation of solvents to get the final product. HPLC analyses revealed an adsorption > 99% from lemon fruit peel powder and a 13.7-fold enrichment of the obtained composition respect to the parent food-derived sample. The antioxidant and radical scavenger activities of the Citrus peels based preparation were assayed by the DPPH and ABTS tests and reveal deffects higher than ascorbic acid and Trolox® used as the references. To the best of our knowledge, the findings described herein is the first example reported in the literature of solid phase adsorption experiments carried out on auraptene as a component of edible fruits.}, author = {Serena Fiorito and Francesco Epifano and Lucia Palumbo and Salvatore Genovese}, doi = {10.1007/s11130-021-00911-w}, issn = {15739104}, issue = {3}, journal = {Plant Foods for Human Nutrition}, keywords = {Auraptene,Bentonite,Citrus limon,Oxyprenylated coumarins,Solid sorbents}, month = {9}, pages = {397-398}, pmid = {34255225}, publisher = {Springer}, title = {A Novel Auraptene-Enriched Citrus Peels-Based Blend with Enhanced Antioxidant Activity}, volume = {76}, year = {2021} } @article{Jafari2023, abstract = {In this study, the magnetite nanoparticles were immobilized on the sepiolite needles via co-precipitation of iron ions. Then, the resulted magnetic sepiolite (mSep) nanoparticles were coated with chitosan biopolymer (Chito) in the presence of citric acid (CA) to prepare mSep@Chito core-shell drug nanocarriers (NCs). TEM images showed magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles with small sizes (less than 25 nm) on the sepiolite needles. Sunitinib anticancer drug loading efficiencies were ⁓45 and 83.7 % for the NCs with low and high content of Chito, respectively. The in-vitro drug release results exhibited that the mSep@Chito NCs have a sustained release behavior with high pH-dependent properties. Cytotoxic results (MTT assay) showed that the sunitinib-loaded mSep@Chito2 NC had a significant cytotoxic effect on the MCF-7 cell lines. Also, the in-vitro compatibility of erythrocytes, physiological stability, biodegradability, and antibacterial and antioxidant activities of NCs was evaluated. The results showed that the synthesized NCs had excellent hemocompatibility, good antioxidant properties, and were sufficiently stable and biocompatible. Based on the antibacterial data, the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for mSep@Chito1, mSep@Chito2, and mSep@Chito3 were obtained as 125, 62.5, and 31.2 μg/mL towards S. aureus, respectively. All in all, the prepared NCs could be potentially used as a pH-triggered system for biomedical applications.}, author = {Hessam Jafari and Hassan Namazi and Gholam Reza Mahdavinia}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124739}, issn = {18790003}, journal = {International Journal of Biological Macromolecules}, keywords = {Core-shell nanocarrier,Magnetic sepiolite@Chitosan,Nanoparticles,Sunitinib release,pH-dependent}, month = {7}, pmid = {37148933}, publisher = {Elsevier B.V.}, title = {pH-sensitive biocompatible chitosan/sepiolite-based cross-linked citric acid magnetic nanocarrier for efficient sunitinib release}, volume = {242}, year = {2023} } @article{Pawar2024, abstract = {Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, is renowned for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, making it beneficial for treating conditions like arthritis, neurodegenerative diseases, and various cancers. Despite its promising therapeutic potential, curcumin's poor bioavailability—due to its rapid metabolism and low solubility—limits its clinical efficacy. To address this, recent research has focused on enhancing curcumin delivery using nanoparticles, liposomes, and novel nanomaterials. Among these, laponite, a synthetic nanoclay, has shown promise in improving curcumin delivery due to its unique properties, including large surface area, dual charge, and stability in solution. This study explores the use of curcumin–laponite nanoparticles as carrier vehicles for controlled delivery to in vitro model membranes. Utilizing advanced techniques such as neutron reflectometry, atomic force microscopy, quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation, and infrared spectroscopy, the interaction between curcumin–laponite nanoparticles and solid-supported lipid bilayers is monitored, revealing enhanced stability and controlled release of curcumin across the membrane. These findings pave the way for the development of curcumin-based therapies targeting cardiovascular, neurological, and oncological diseases, leveraging the synergistic effects of curcumin's biological activity and laponite's delivery capabilities.}, author = {Nisha Pawar and Miriam Peña-Figueroa and Ester Verde-Sesto and Armando Maestro and Alberto Alvarez-Fernandez}, doi = {10.1002/smll.202406885}, issn = {16136829}, issue = {52}, journal = {Small}, keywords = {curcumin,drug delivery,laponite,neutron reflectivity,supported lipid bilayers}, month = {12}, pmid = {39466993}, publisher = {John Wiley and Sons Inc}, title = {Exploring the Interaction of Lipid Bilayers with Curcumin–Laponite Nanoparticles: Implications for Drug Delivery and Therapeutic Applications}, volume = {20}, year = {2024} } @article{Pavlovic2019, abstract = {A highly stable nanocomposite of antioxidant activity was developed by immobilization of a superoxide dismutase-mimicking metal complex on copolymer-functionalized nanoclay. The layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanoclays were synthesized and surface modification was performed by adsorbing poly(vinylpyridine-b-methacrylic acid) (PVPMAA). The effect of the adsorption on the charging and aggregation properties was investigated and the copolymer dose was optimized to obtain stable LDH dispersions. The LDH-PVPMAA hybrid particles showed high resistance against salt-induced destabilization in aqueous dispersions. Copper(II)-histamine (Cu(Hsm) 2 ) complexes were immobilized via the formation of dative bonds between the metal ions and the nitrogen atoms of the functional groups of the copolymer adsorbed on the particles. Changes in the coordination geometry of the complex upon immobilization led to higher superoxide radical anion scavenging activity than the one determined for the non-immobilized complex. Comparison of superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like activity of the obtained hybrid LDH-PVPMAA-Cu(Hsm) 2 with the nanoclay-immobilized SOD enzyme revealed that the developed composite maintained its activity over several days and was able to function at elevated temperature, while the immobilized native enzyme lost its activity under these experimental conditions. The developed nanocomposite is a promising antioxidant candidate in applications, where high electrolyte concentration and elevated temperature are applied.}, author = {Marko Pavlovic and Bálint Náfrádi and Paul Rouster and Szabolcs Muráth and Istvan Szilagyi}, doi = {10.1016/j.jcis.2019.02.050}, issn = {10957103}, journal = {Journal of Colloid and Interface Science}, keywords = {Antioxidant,Dispersion stability,Enzyme mimic,Nanoclay,Polymer functionalization}, month = {5}, pages = {174-182}, pmid = {30802764}, publisher = {Academic Press Inc.}, title = {Highly stable enzyme-mimicking nanocomposite of antioxidant activity}, volume = {543}, year = {2019} } @article{Genovese2022, abstract = {In the present study we investigated the performance of a panel of 13 solid sorbents comprising layered double hydroxides, zirconium phosphate-based materials, and phyllosilicates as heterogeneous supports for the concentration of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) juice. Mg-containing clays exhibited an almost complete bleaching capacityof pomegranate juice and more interestingly provided blends with an increased antioxidant capacity (around 1.5-fold) respect to the parent juice when assayed for the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) coupled to ABTS decolorization test. Such an activity remained practically unaltered after 4 days during which the pomegranate concentrated preparations remained supported on clays. The approach investigated herein and used for the concentration of pomegranate juice and the discovery of the preservation for long periods of the antioxidant activities of pomegranate extracts when supported on solid sorbents have been reported herein for the first time in the literature to the best of our knowledge.}, author = {Salvatore Genovese and Francesco Epifano and Lucia Palumbo and Chiara Collevecchio and Fabio Cardellini and Maria Bastianini and Roberto Spogli and Serena Fiorito}, doi = {10.1016/j.foodchem.2022.132901}, issn = {18737072}, journal = {Food Chemistry}, keywords = {Antioxidant activity,Layered double hydroxides,Polyphenols,Punica granatum,Solid phase adsorption}, month = {9}, pmid = {35413553}, publisher = {Elsevier Ltd}, title = {A novel and efficient concentration of pomegranate juice with enhanced antioxidant activity}, volume = {387}, year = {2022} }